Spring and summer aren’t just breaks from school; they are your chance to dive into computer science in a real, hands-on way. You’ll build problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and creativity, all while working on projects that actually matter. Along the way, you’ll have access to mentorship, collaborative learning experiences, and opportunities to create a portfolio that strengthens your college applications.
Why choose Illinois for an internship?
Illinois is an exciting place to begin your journey in computer science. With world-class universities, research labs, tech companies, and innovation hubs, Illinois connects you to industry professionals, cutting-edge projects, and collaborative work environments. Many programs combine applied learning with mentorship and professional development, so you don’t just learn technical skills but gain insights into what it’s like to work in the field. From virtual projects to on-campus research opportunities, Illinois internships provide a flexible, high-quality pathway to grow your skills and explore potential career paths in computer science.
Below, we’ve curated a list of 15 computer science internships for high school students in Illinois to help you get started. If you’re interested in other STEM opportunities, check out 15 Paid STEM Internships for High School Students and 15 Best Science Camps for High School Students
15 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Illinois
1. DSI Summer Lab (University of Chicago)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: $4,800
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies annually
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and Chicago-area high school students; high school students must reside year-round in the Chicago area
The DSI Summer Lab is a research-focused summer program hosted by the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute. You work closely with faculty mentors and research teams on applied, interdisciplinary projects that use data science and computational methods to address real-world questions. Projects span a wide range of fields, from computer science and data science, to public policy, social science, climate and energy, materials science, and biomedical research, giving you exposure to how computing is used across disciplines. The program places a strong emphasis on research design, data analysis, collaboration, and technical communication, so you’ll learn what college-level research actually involves. No prior research experience is required, but the pace is fast and expectations are high.
2. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance Rate : Selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school seniors or graduates enrolled in an Illinois high school; U.S. citizens only; proof of medical insurance required
The PRISM program at Fermilab is a four-week, STEM research and mentorship experience designed for students on the verge of entering college. You explore advanced scientific fields such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, artificial intelligence, and computational research through a structured mix of hands-on activities, expert-led lectures, and behind-the-scenes access to Fermilab’s research facilities. Each week centers on a different STEM theme, helping you understand how theoretical concepts translate into real-world research environments. The program also includes a strong mentorship component that connects you with Fermilab scientists and engineers, who support your technical growth and offer guidance on academic and career pathways. By the end of the program, you produce tangible research deliverables,including an abstract, research poster, and final presentation.
3. Adler Planetarium Teen STEAM Programs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Free (stipend not specified)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Program timelines vary by track
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Chicago-area middle and high school students; specific grade requirements vary by program
Adler Planetarium’s teen programs offer Chicago students hands-on exposure to STEAM fields through long-term, project-based learning. In Far Horizons Teens, you join a research team investigating real-world scientific problems such as light pollution and its environmental impact. You’ll contribute to ongoing projects such as Project LEAF it in the Dark, collecting and analyzing data and thinking about environmental solutions. The experience builds skills in scientific investigation, data collection, collaboration, and community-focused problem-solving, all of which align closely with pathways in computer science and data-driven research pathways. Leadership-focused tracks, such as the Youth Leadership Council and Teen Captains, allow returning students to step into advocacy, planning, and peer-mentorship roles within a major cultural institution. Overall, Adler’s teen programs are a strong option if you’re looking for a research-oriented, locally grounded STEAM experience that builds both technical thinking and leadership skills during the school year.
4. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 program fee (financial aid available); $45 application fee
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Session A: June 15–26; Session B: July 6–17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. entering grades 9–12 in Fall; must be 14+ by program start; strong preference for students with math, programming, or healthcare-related experience
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a two-week, virtual research experience that introduces high school students to the intersection of computer science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. You attend technical and introductory lectures on AI in medicine, work in small groups on guided research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford-affiliated students and researchers. The program places an emphasis on real-world applications, You’ll explore how data science and machine learning tools are used in clinical and public health settings, and participate in conversations around ethics, health equity, and responsible AI. Daily sessions run on weekdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PT, requiring full participation across the two-week period. Students who complete the internship receive a certificate from Stanford AIMI.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: In-person at Department of Navy laboratories across the United States
Stipend: $4,000 for first-time participants, $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 300 students selected annually across 38+ laboratories (highly competitive)
Dates: 8 weeks during summer (option to extend up to 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9; must be 16+ by program start; U.S. citizens only (some labs allow limited exceptions); graduating seniors eligible
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives you the opportunity to work inside a Department of Navy research laboratory on real, ongoing science and engineering projects under the guidance of professional researchers. Over eight weeks, you contribute to lab-based research while gaining exposure to how large government research teams operate, from problem formulation to technical implementation. If you’re interested in computer science, your work may involve data analysis, modeling, simulation, software tools, or computational problem-solving used in naval research and engineering settings. The program places an emphasis on mentorship, applied learning, and professional research practices. You’ll gain exposure to lab culture and technical communication, experiences that mirror what STEM careers actually look like.
6. Young Scholars Summer Research Program (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; housing, meals, and a monetary award provided Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective; exact acceptance rate not publicly released
Dates: June 14 – July 31
Application Deadline: To be announced (applications and research group-specific applications open in March)
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Program places you in an active university research group for six weeks, where you work alongside faculty, graduate students, and researchers on real STEMM projects. You work 30–35 hours per week conducting hands-on research in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, physics, quantum science, bioengineering, and electrical engineering, depending on your assigned group. In addition to lab work, you attend weekly seminars focused on scientific communication, research posters, and preparation for research pathways in STEM. The program concludes with a formal research symposium where you present your work to the university community.
7. University of Chicago Youth Internship Program
Location: Chicago, Illinois (University of Chicago campus and affiliated units)
Stipend: $15.80/hour for up to 20 hours/week
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Chicago public high school students, including charter schools; must be at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a two-summer paid pathway designed to introduce you to STEM careers while building college and workforce readiness skills. In Year 1, you participate in an earn-and-learn model that combines paid work experience with structured programming. You’ll attend workshops on professional skills, guest talks by STEM professionals, participate in workplace and college tours, and receive guidance on postsecondary planning. Students who successfully complete Year 1 may reapply for Year 2, which includes a six-week paid placement in health sciences, computer science, or IT services within a University of Chicago department. The program operates in partnership with One Summer Chicago, so employment, payroll, and onboarding follow city youth employment guidelines. Priority is given to students from Chicago neighborhoods surrounding the University, though all eligible CPS students may apply.
8. After School Matters
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid stipend or hourly wage (approximately $15.80/hour)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Large citywide program; selective by track and availability
Dates: June 23 – August 1 (typical summer session)
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Chicago residents or students attending a Chicago Public High School; ages 14–18
After School Matters is a citywide paid internship program that allows you to explore career pathways while still in high school. You can choose from opportunities across STEM, arts, and communications, with placements designed to build practical, workplace-ready skills. For students interested in computer science, ASM apprenticeships focus on hands-on exposure to areas such as information technology, coding, and applied problem-solving in professional environments. You’ll work on team-based projects under the guidance of mentors while learning how technical skills are used to solve real challenges. The program emphasizes consistent participation, skill development, and professional habits, helping you grow technically and professionally.
9. Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Small, highly selective cohort (limited to partner schools)
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school students from Chicago Math and Science Academy, Northwestern Academy, and Holy Trinity High School
NURPH is a seven-week paid summer research program that places you in Northwestern’s Materials Science and Engineering Department, where you work closely with faculty and graduate researchers. Although the core focus is materials science, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, including applications of computing and data-driven research. As a student interested in computer science, you gain hands-on experience using coding, data analysis, and computational methods to help answer scientific research questions. You also learn foundational concepts in materials science and engineering, while exploring how computational tools are used in areas such as energy systems, medical technologies, and advanced materials. The program supports underrepresented Chicago-area students by building academic confidence, research skills, and long-term mentorship connections in STEM.
10. Illinois Tech’s Summer College Programs for High School Students
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Cost: Fees range from $300–$6,500 depending on course and format
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Varies by course
Dates: Varies by course (1-, 2-, or 4-week options available)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders; residential programs limited to ages 15–17
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep summer programs gives middle and high school students the opportunity to explore STEM in a structured, college-level environment at a technology-focused university. As a student interested in computer science, you can enroll in courses covering coding and programming, cybersecurity, robotics, game development, data-driven research, and engineering applications. Programs combine lectures with hands-on projects such as building robots, creating apps, or learning defensive hacking techniques. You attend classes on campus (with select options available virtually), interact with Illinois Tech faculty and students, experience college-style coursework and get a feel of what studying in a tech-driven university is like. Some programs also offer Edge Awards, which include a $500 scholarship per completed experience.
11. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June – December
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Semester is a six-month, fully online academic enrichment program run by MIT for high school juniors interested in STEM. While this is not a conventional internship, it offers a research-adjacent experience that builds many of the same skills employers and labs look for. You take two courses during the program; one is a project-based course in a science or engineering topic such as machine learning, thermodynamics, or astrophysics, and the second is a core academic course in subjects such as calculus, physics, computer science, and science writing. In addition to coursework, you participate in weekly webinars, workshops, peer meetings, and community-building activities throughout the fall. The program places an emphasis on problem-solving, technical depth, collaboration, and preparation for college-level STEM coursework.
12. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S. (including Chicago)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies by session and location)
Dates: Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June – August); Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September – mid-December)
Application Deadline: Summer session: February 28 | Fall session: May 16
Eligibility: U.S. high school students enrolled full-time with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The NASA OSTEM internships program places high school students in a NASA center, where you work full-time for 40 hours a week, contributing to real aerospace and engineering projects alongside NASA professionals. At centers such as the Marshall Space Flight Center, you’ll support diverse programs including the NASA Student Launch Initiative and the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. If you’re interested in computer science, your work may involve building and maintaining software tools, managing databases, running data analysis, and assisting teams during technical design reviews. You also help organize project documentation and ensure digital systems function smoothly across teams. The experience emphasizes applied problem-solving, collaboration with engineers and scientists, and an inside look at how major technical programs are coordinated within a federal research agency.
13. Summer Science Internship (University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford)
Location: Rockford, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 7 students selected from 45 applicants
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by May 1, from Rockford School District or nearby communities
This long-running summer research internship places you in biomedical research labs at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. Over the course of 12 months, you’ll work directly with scientists on projects related to cancer research, vaccine development, and drug discovery. You’ll gain hands-on laboratory experience while learning how academic and industrial science translate into real-world medical advances. You work as part of a research team, developing technical lab skills alongside professional habits such as scientific communication, teamwork, and leadership. The program also includes structured career preparation, such as resume building, interview training, and poster and oral presentation skills. With personalized mentorship throughout the internship, many students continue their mentor relationships well beyond the summer, benefiting from long-term academic and career guidance.
14. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute – CogWorks
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Online Course: February 3 – June 20; Virtual Summer Institute: July 7 – August 3
Application Deadline: Online Course: December – January; Summer Institute: March 3 – 31
Eligibility: High school students who have completed sophomore or junior year; completion of the online course is required to advance to the Summer Institute
CogWorks is a two-stage AI and machine learning program that introduces high school students to applied artificial intelligence through structured coursework and collaborative projects. You begin with an online course focused on Python programming, Git version control, natural language processing, and foundational machine learning concepts. Students who successfully complete the course are invited to a four-week virtual summer institute, where you work in teams to design, build, and test AI-powered assistants using platforms such as Amazon Alexa and open-source tools. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in daily lectures and guided activities that reinforce hands-on problem solving, iterative development, and teamwork. The experience concludes with a final showcase where teams present their AI systems and evaluate one another’s work in a competitive setting.
15. George Mason University — NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly Selective
Dates: June 14 – August 30
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Program introduces you to space-focused research through hands-on data analysis and guided mentorship. Over the course of the program, you work with real datasets from NASA missions such as TESS and JWST, focusing on the study of exoplanetary systems. You learn how to collect, analyze, and synthesize astronomical data, gradually developing the skills needed to conduct independent research. The program also includes expert-led lectures, discussions on space policy and the role of private space companies, and virtual observation nights using George Mason University’s 32-inch telescope. By the end of the program, you produce a scholarly research paper under faculty guidance. Your work is published in the Schar School Young Scholars Journal and can be used for competitions or future academic applications.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, cybersecurity, or software development, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – George Mason University